Pelvic Girdle Myopathy Caused by Isotretinoin: Case Report and Discussion of Pathophysiology

Janati A, AL Ghasab Naif S, So

Abstract

Introduction: Isotretinoin is the mainstay therapy for severe and nodulocystic acne. Myalgia and muscle stiffness have been reported in 16-51% of patients treated with isotretinoin, while elevated serum Creatine Kinase (CK) levels have been found in up to 41%. In this paper, we report, for the first time, the occurrence of myopathy limited to the pelvic-girdle muscles in a teen who received isotretinoin therapy. Methods: This was a case study conducted at King Khalid Hospital. Results: Histopathology and other laboratory data were consistent with an inflammatory myopathy based on a vasculitic process. Conclusion: Our data indicate that the myopathy caused by isotretinoin is an inflammatory process based on vasculitis, resulting in ischemic muscle necrosis.